Be Afraid .. Be Very Afraid

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." - 2 Timothy 1:7

I Can't Stand the Pressure

Because of circumstances beyond my control, today's post will be brief and, in all probability, boring (unlike most of my posts which are not so brief .. and boring).

I woke up this morning (no, I'm not singing a BB King song .. I just .. woke up this morning) with a terrible sinus headache (welcome back ..'old friend') that is a real pain in the neck .. and forehead .. and temple.

This is somewhat surprising since yesterday I blew, what had to be, well over two gallons of "junk" (for lack of a better .. or even worse .. word) out of my nose. Sorry, I hope that's not too gross for you (please read that last sentence very slowly .. if you don't, it might sound like .. 'Sorry, I hope that snot too gross for you' .. which IS gross).

So, here I am.

It's my day off. The wind is blowing (that's not a reference to another physical ailment of mine .. the wind is actually blowing), the rain is on its way (that's a shocker) and any light whatsoever in the room makes me wince.

I need another kleenex .. or perhaps a small hand towel.

".. his plague is in his head." - Leviticus 13:44b

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire

On Tuesday I made a big deal about being fed up with Facebook and how I was "walking away" because of all of its problems, errors, inconsistencies, and issues.

Well, bring me some crow (with salt, pepper, and a bottle of A1 Sauce) because I'm already back and "badder than ever" on this addictive time-waster (it's like "As the World Turns" .. for geeks).

Within hours of making this bold declaration, all my Facebook problems seemed to have magically disappeared (or dispapeared .. as one of my children use to say) and everything was back to normal (a relative term when referring to any activity in which I am involved).

For days I had not been able to post comments, check statuses, send important private messages (.. 'do you have Prince Albert in a can?' ..) or offer birthday greetings to any of my friends.

This was very frustrating, so I decided to take a hike and leave this "social network" (ABC, NBC and now .. FB See) behind.

Of course, because of the addictive nature of "the beast," I was not able to leave well enough alone. So, I came back one last time to pay my respects.

To my surprise, I found everything had been "fixed" and all was well in the world again.

I don't know if it was just a coincidence or if someone from FB saw my blog and starting working "round the clock" to resolve all the problems (I'm reasonably sure it was the latter) and keep one of their best "wisenheimers."

Whatever the reason, it worked.

An aside .. I made one last post (yeah, right) on Facebook to tell everyone I was fed up with FB and making a "clean break." One of my friends thought FB meant "First Baptist" and the rumor mill started flying that I was leaving the church.

Sorry, "folk at First" .. No such luck.

"As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly." - Proverbs 26:11

Kev's Klip of the Week

During my college days, one of the more difficult chores as a music major with an emphasis in voice (I've always been good at talking .. just read the comments on my old report cards) was mastering other languages.

Being from Bemis .. we have our own special dialect .. made it especially challenging.

I suspect Dr. Blass felt much like this vocal coach.

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues" - Acts 2:4a

No Longer Able to Show My Face in Public

No, I haven't been humiliated (well, maybe just a little .. yesterday Englewood's pastor got in a pretty good zinger on me .. however, it was well deserved payback for something I said about him over two years ago .. I guess revenge is a dish best served cold .. and a very present help in trouble).

I am actually referring to problems I've been having on Facebook.

The site has been "wonky" (at least for me) for several days now and I am this close (you can't see them, but my thumb and index finger is almost touching and my eyes are kind of squinty .. the international symbol for 'this close') from deactivating my account (on account of .. I'm ticked).

Facebook has been good to me.

It has helped reconnect me with people from my past (no 'nut jobs' or stalkers .. so far).

It has reminded me of birthdays (it's like a personal assistant without the expense).

It has tested my knowledge on everything from "The Andy Griffith Show" to "The Baptist Hymnal" (quizzes .. gotta love 'em).

Back in the "good old days" when it was running flawlessly, I was very much "in love" with FB (that's what the pros call it).

Now, the flame is gone.

I have been "done wrong" (I can't post without error messages .. I can't read personal messages .. I now have NO friends .. I can't poke with flair) and it appears this relationship can't be salvaged .. It's a crying shame.

There's a fine line between love and hate and (at least for me) FB has crossed that line.

I had hoped we could remain friends, but every time I try to log in I am reminded of the pain I have experienced over the past several days.

So, it's time for a clean break.

Maybe one day I'll be able to "tweet" .. but not for a long time.

I'm still pretty fragile.

"Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none."

- Psalm 69:20

Oh, What a Knight

I realize today is not Wednesday (the day reserved for Kev's Klip of the Week). However, I am attending a Music Minister's ROUNDTABLE at Englewood Baptist Church this morning at nine and this song came to mind.

Since the West Tennessee Music Minsters are rehearsing prior to the ROUNDTABLE (I need to be there by 8 o'clock) and I would have to get up at the crack of dawn to write something, it was a "no-brainer" .. much like every blog entry.

Ladies and gentlemen, for your viewing pleasure ...

... and there's a Lego version, too.

"Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing .." - Judges 5:3a

Nothing Fishy Here .. It's Sunday

I don't blog on Sundays (I'm spending the day at church). See you tomorrow.

"And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." - Mark 1:17

Sore Throat Saturday

I started the week with a slight sore throat and I immediately prayed I would be able to make it through the revival (the last day was Wednesday) without getting sick.

Well, the Lord answered that prayer.

I wish I had been more specific and asked to be completely exempt from illness because that slight sore throat is not so slight anymore. In fact, I find it hard to swallow that I .. find it hard to swallow.

As is the case with many men, when I'm miserable .. everyone is miserable. I'm just not a very patient .. patient.

Tomorrow is a very busy day.

I know Sunday is supposed to be a "day of rest" (Exodus 23:12a), but Baptists know better than scripture and try to cram as much as possible into that day (we also like to skip over those verses about gluttony).

The Sanctuary Choir has a "bonus rehearsal" after lunch (12:45 PM) to work on Christmas music and following a 9 o'clock practice and 10:30 worship service, I'm probably going to feel like a dog (no offense intended toward those of the canine persuasion).

Feeling like a dog + sore throat: Just call me the "dog whisperer."

"I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried."

- Psalm 69:3a

Finally .. It's Friday

Today's post, like yesterday's .. and many, of late, will also have to be short and to the point (is this becoming a habit??). I need to get cleaned up (oh, man .. I hate getting cleaned up on my day off) and go to the office to take care of some unfinished business (that sounds like I'm going there to get into a fistfight or gun battle .. no, not this time .. unless one of the secretaries crosses me).

Because of our all day trip to Patti's (I had the one inch pork chop, not the two inch .. I am health conscious, you know), I was not able to finish this week's order of worship. So ... this morning I will need to put the "finishing touches" on Sunday's music (it all speaks of God's faithfulness to His children .. good stuff, promise).

I have to be done by lunch time because I am meeting David Skelton from the Bartlett Community Concert Band (and music director at Whitten Memorial Baptist Church) in Jackson to deliver the orchestrations (congratulations, it's a 8 lb 5 oz musical score!!) of our 2009 Christmas program (better late than never).

Fridays aren't what they used to be.

I can't wait for things to get back to normal so I can sit around in my underwear all day playing on Facebook.

".. thy servant was busy here and there .." - I Kings 20:40a

Sorry, I Can't Talk

No time to blog this morning.

I need to check in on a church member who is having surgery in Jackson and hurry back to Humboldt to board the bus at 9 o'clock (the YYs are going to Patti's for lunch).

Eating a 2 inch pork chop is a tough job, but someone has to do it.

I'll see you all tomorrow.

"And there was set meat before him to eat."

- Genesis 24:33a

Kev's Klip of the Week

"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor." - Ephesians 5:2

In the Middle and There's No Looking Back

We are at the midway point for this series of revival "meetings" at Smyrna Baptist Church and it would be easy just to look at it as "two down .. two to go."

So often we breeze through the events of our lives and merely check that one off the list so we can move on to the next event .. so we can check that one off the list .. etc. etc. etc..

Even though I've been "plumb tuckered out" (I'm brushing up on my 'old-timer talk' .. since I'm fast approaching that status) by the time I've gotten home the last couple of evenings, it has been a "good" tired.

I knew when I agreed to lead the music for the week (in 'the ministry' a week means Sunday through Wednesday .. Oh, How I Love Jesus!) I would have an hour and a half drive to and from the church (actually it only takes ninety minutes to get home .. thank goodness).

Since they feed us at 5:30, this means I have to leave Humboldt by four o'clock (I'm a Union graduate and figured that out all by myself).

The services have also been approximately an hour and a half long (finishing around 8:30) so by the time I stand around talking, it is close to nine before I can head toward the house (estimated time of arrival - 10:30 PM .. I should have minored in math).

After a long, grueling day at the office (sing song .. play piano .. sing song while playing piano .. I tell you, it's a pressure cooker) I am ready for bed as soon as I walk in the door.

So, why do I do it?

I needed to experience personal revival .. for such a time as this.

With challenging messages about renewal from Beau Cooksey, I'm getting far more than I am giving.

That's right, Rick Warren .. It's all about me!

Okay, maybe not all .. but some.

"After two days will he revive us." - Hosea 6:2a

Open Your Mouth and Say "Ah"

There are some things in life you can always depend on:

• The Sun rising in the East (and the son rising in the East .. Drew lives in Chattanooga)
• The changing of the four Seasons (have you seen Frankie Valli lately? .. wow)
• Death and taxes (usually not in that order .. however, the latter can lead to the former)
• Me starting revival services with a sore throat

The revival at Smyrna Baptist Church in Burlison, TN has been on my calendar for weeks and I have waited patiently (okay .. just waited) for some ailment or affliction to hit.

It always does.

No matter how careful I am about staying out of people's faces, I will wind up with a "close talker" (our noses don't have to touch in order for me to hear you .. promise) with a hacking cough or cold.

No matter how many times I "wash up" before a meal, someone will inevitably approach me in a restaurant, extend their germ-infested hand and say "put'er there."

What's a social animal to do?

I'm not sure if it's from overuse, drainage or illness. I do know, however .. my throat is really bothering me this morning.

I suspect it will be bothering others tonight at revival.

"I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world." - Matthew 13:35b

I Want You .. To Come Back Tomorrow

I never post on Sunday .. sorry. See you tomorrow.

" Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?" - Genesis 40:7b

Paint II: The Final Conflict

Friday we spent the entire day painting the garage (actually the prep work: moving items out/around, sweeping, cleaning the door and window facings, etc .. took up a ton of time) and we still aren't finished.

I only hope and pray (Painting is Tough. Pray Hard) at the end of today, the job will be complete and I don't have to even see another paint roller for a long, long time (Lonnie, I have a new appreciation for your profession and by the way .. you can have it).

Most of my experience yesterday entailed painting the ceiling.

This doesn't sound like much of a challenge, but this morning I have a "pain in the neck" that "won't go away" (now I know how everyone who spends any time with me feels).

At least I don't have over 12,000 square feet to complete.

That was the size of the Sistine Chapel ceiling Michelangelo was commissioned to paint and .. for what it's worth .. that "covers in one coat" hooey is just a marketing ploy (no wonder it took him four years to complete).

Well, I was not commissioned to do the "work" and I'm pretty sure this old neck of mine (it turned fifty two this year, you know) can't hold out for four years. So, as soon as there is enough light outside .. I'm back on the job.

Hopefully, by the end of the day "things will be looking up."

I hate that expression.

"Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens." - Psalm 123:1

Paint Your Wagon .. AND Your TV .. AND Your ..

Cheryl and I are finally getting around to painting the garage today. Hopefully, it will be less traumatic than this little paint party .. "Repaint, repaint. Go and thin no more."

No time to blog. I must get to work.

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten."

- Revelation 3:19a

Breakfast: Not All It's Cracked Up to Be

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. However, I rarely have anything in the mornings except a very necessary cup of coffee .. if I don't drink it, people could die.

Today I am getting ready and heading out to The Humboldt Grill for a full blown breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast (dark, almost burnt .. the way I like it) and coffee .. please don't speak or approach me prior to said coffee (see above paragraph).

Contrary to what "they" say, breakfast is not the most important meal of the day for me .. except when I'm on vacation.

For some strange reason I do like to eat a rather large morning meal when I'm on a different schedule .. make that, no schedule.

When I was a kid, we went to Florida every year during the Summer (we always stayed at the Sea Lodge in Panama City Beach) and I recall eating a big breakfast each and every day we were there.

Why a sudden departure from my regular routine?

No clue .. other than it was vacation.

Well, I'm on vacation until the end of this week and I have decided to keep up the tradition this morning.

Anyone want to join me at The Grill?

I think it's an eggcellent idea.

"And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat." - Genesis 27:4a

Kev's Klip of the Week

Here is a quick clip from a very funny lady.

".. all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change comes." - Job 14:14b

Potential Posting Problem All Week

Today's post is a little later (and shorter) than normal. However, I am on vacation and that means I'm sleeping in (it was almost 8:15 when I got up today) all week.

Up until Saturday, you can expect all my posts to be this way .. short and sweet (well, short for sure .. sweet would be too much of a departure from the spirit of revkev's blog).

If you are in the choir, never fear. I am taking a "poor man's vacation" (today's picture says it all) and will be at our regular Wednesday night rehearsal.

Since Cheryl is on Fall break, we will be painting the garage. Doesn't that sound relaxing?

I just hope I don't FALL and BREAK something before the week ends.

There will be a "Kev's Klip of the Week" tomorrow, but you may have to check back later in the day to view it.

Did I mention I was on vacation?

"Behold, we count them happy which endure."

- James 5:11a

Custer's Last Stand

Recently, my son and a couple of his friends have been sitting around in the evenings a pickin' and a grinnin' (that's Southern for 'playing music and singing') just for fun. Drew called and told me about this little group (guitar and mandolin with an occasional autoharp .. and vocals) last week and he was excited about the possibilities.

Cheryl and I got to hear Custer's Last Band (yep, that's the name .. no, it was not a massacre) last night at a small gathering and we had a great time.

Their music was quite eclectic. They went from 'I'll Fly Away' to 'Rollin in My Sweet Baby's Arms' (two of my favorite hymns) without blinking an eye and somehow it all worked.

Their sound is a cross between Allison Krauses' "Union Station" and the "Soggy Bottom Boys" (that is also what we call the twin male babies in the church nursery) .. sort of a Southern fried Rockabilly-Bluegrass.

Now THAT'S entertainment.

This band is strictly for fun .. right now, but who knows what the future may bring?

My retirement fund was rocked pretty hard the last couple of years. If these guys (and gal) also continue to "rock pretty hard," perhaps Drew can take care of me in my twilight years.

In order for that to take place, they need to expand their instrumentation.

How about adding brass?

Custer's Last Band needs a .. little/big horn.

"He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour." - Psalm 112:9

Sunday Is a Day of Rest

"For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end." - 2 Corinthians 1:13

Writer's Block (Mental Constipation)

Judging by the last two blog entries, I have either: 1) developed a fascination with dancing (a good Baptist has to live vicariously through others to experience it .. or you can sneak around), 2) I have "hit a wall" and can't come up with any new and fresh ideas to convey.

Don't get me wrong. There are plenty of thoughts "swimming" around in my brain (the voices .. the voices .. make them stop). However, most shouldn't .. "come up for air."

I usually have no preconceived idea what I want to blog about when I go to bed. There is no "pressure to perform" or "fear of failure" (those are reserved solely for my profession .. where I am hanging by a thread).

When I sit down at the computer I start thinking about what is ahead for the day. If something is the least bit out of the ordinary, I try to find a way to incorporate that into my writing. If the day appears to consist of the "same old same old," I let my imagination wander for a while (it really should be on a leash .. several of the neighbors have complained) and see where it might lead.

Possible blog subjects .. the first things that popped into my mind today, included:

• The weather (talk about beating a dead horse .. this is only an expression, PETA)
• My infected big toe (with photo, of course)
• Using the last of the coffee (this was just a little too serious to discuss)
• Eating a bowl of cereal with Half and Half instead of milk (we were out of heavy whipping cream)
• The need to replace AA batteries in my Bluetooth mouse (the warning light has been flashing for days now .. it's a good thing I don't have epilepsy)

In and of themselves, these possible subjects would seem dull and boring. However, in the hands of a skilled writer, even the most mundane, everyday occurrence can "spring to life" and totally captivate the interest of the reader.

Now, if only I could find a skilled writer .....

"It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee" - Luke 1:3a

Finally .. Friday!

It's pouring down rain right now (that is so unusual for around here these days .. uh, yeah .. right) and according to the weather it will continue to do so for the rest of the day.

Are my spirits dampened? Am I all wet?

No way. It's Friday!

I'm off today and there is plenty of work to be done inside.

Now, where's that remote? It's almost time for The View.

"Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together" - Psalm 98:8